Oldest clock | Guinness World Records Guinness World Records When 1385 The worlds oldest surviving working clock is the faceless clock dating from 1386, or possibly earlier, at Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire, UK. It was restored in 1956, having struck the hours for 498 years and ticked more than 500 million times. All records listed on our website are current and up-to-date. For a full list of record titles, please use our Record Application Search. (You will be need to register / login for access) Tech that stands the test of time (pictures) - CNET CNET Tech that stands the test of time (pictures) Oxford Electric Bell The author of the Oxford Electric Bell, or Clarendon Dry Pile, is unknown. Even its exact date is unknown. It was purchased by Oxford professor of physics from 1839-1965 Robert Walker, who labelled it "set up in 1840," but there is evidence to suggest that the experiment was set up 15 years earlier.

Whenever it was set up, whether 176 years ago or 191 years ago, it has been "ringing" continuously ever since. The pendulum clapper between two bells is powered by two "dry pile" batteries, sealed by a coating of molten sulfur. What's inside those sulfur columns is unknown, since no one wants to disrupt the experiment to find out. Popular opinion is that they contain Zamboni piles , invented by Giuseppe Zamboni in 1812 and consisting of discs of silver foil, zinc foil and paper. This creates a small electrostatic charge in the bell, which repels the clapper, so that it vibrates between the two bells as they continuously repel it back and forth. The bells itself are inaudible now, but the experiment , on display on the ground floor of Oxford University's Clarendon Laboratory, can still be seen ringing away to this day. You can watch a video of it in action here . Photo by: Screenshot by Michelle Starr/CNET Centennial Bulb An incandescent light bulb burns in a fire station in Livermore, California.

As the world increasingly turns to LED lighting, this bulb has been burning almost continuously since being switched on in 1901. In 2001, it was named the Centennial Bulb because it had been burning for a century. The bulb itself, invented by Adolphe Alexandre Chaillet and made by the Shelby Electric Company, consists of a handblown glass bulb and carbon filament, and has only been turned off a handful of times in the 115 years since its installation. It currently burns at just four watts. You can watch a documentary on the Centennial Bulb here . Photo by: Guinness World Records Pitch Drop Experiment Set up in 1927 by Thomas Parnel at the University of Queensland, the Pitch Drop Experiment is one of the world's longest-running experiments. The aim is to measure the flow of pitch , which looks like a solid but is actually an extremely viscous liquid. The pitch used in the experiment has a viscosity 230 billion times that of water, only nine drops have formed and fallen since the experiment's inception. Each drop takes a varying amount of time to form and fall into the beaker below, but the shortest amount of time was 7.2 years.

Technically, the ninth drop didn't actually fall, either. The experiment's custodian changed the beaker in 2014, and the ninth drop, which was already in contact with the other fallen drops, snapped off. The eighth drop fell in 2000, long before cameras had been set up to record a pitch drop falling. The first time a drop of pitch was filmed falling was in 2013 , with cameras observing a different experiment set up at Trinity College Dublin. However, no one has ever witnessed a pitch drop falling, live with their own eyes. The next drop is due to fall in around 14 years or so at current viscosity rates. If you want to tune into the live feed watch it yourself, you can do so here . Photo by: University of Queensland Beverly clock The Beverly Clock , currently housed at the Otago University's Department of Physics in New Zealand, hasn't been wound since its construction in 1864. Its mechanism was designed by Arthur Beverly , and it uses atmospheric changes to power the clock without any human input. As temperature changes, it operates a diaphragm that expands and contracts and powers the clock.

In the interest of fairness, the Beverly Clock has stopped before, when there weren't sufficient atmospheric changes to power the clock, or in the event of mechanical failure, but it has always started again. Even more amazingly, this is not the first such mechanism. The first known clock to have been powered by atmospheric changes was built by Dutch inventor Cornelis Drebbel , who is also credited with building the first navigable submarine. He patented his atmospheric clock in 1598, and went on to build several in the 17th century. Photo by: Mysterious Snapper Beauvais Cathedral Clock There are several contenders for the crown of oldest working clock, including the movement of the Salisbury Cathedral Clock dating back to 1386 in the UK and the clock of St Andrew's in Chioggia, Italy from the same year, but the Beauvais Cathedral Clock in France is claimed to date back to 1305 . It is not exactly the same clock. Since its installation, it has undergone repairs and restoration, but its carillon still chimes perfectly over 700 years later.

Photo by: Binche Harwell Dekatron Computer The Harwell Dekatron Computer , first switched on in 1951, has had a storied history that includes decommissioning and storage, but, having been extensively restored, it is now recognised as the world's oldest working digital computer. Its original purpose was performing calculations at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment in Harwell, Oxfordshire in the UK, with the ability to store up to 90 numbers in its dekatron -based memory. After it was no longer needed at the research facility, the 2.5-ton machine was moved to the Wolverhampton and Staffordshire Technical College, where it was used to teach computing under its new name, Wolverhampton Instrument for Teaching Computing from Harwell, or WITCH. It was decommissioned in 1973, and remained in storage until 2009, when its recovery and restoration commenced under the supervision of the The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park. Photo by: Pratyeka Marconi Type 702 The television was invented in the 1920s, but it wasn't sold as a home entertainment device until the 1930s.

One of the very first models was the Marconi 702, which only showed picture, no sound. The CRT was set into the top of the cabinet, and a mirror lid displayed the image to the viewer. This particular Marconi type 702 was sold on November 26, 1936, just three weeks after the BBC began transmitting the world's first high-definition television service , and is thought to be the world's oldest working TV set. It was sold at auction by Bonham's in 2011 for £16,800. The auction page reads, "This screen would have shown the very first scheduled television programme in the world. The CRT picture quality is superb, with the ion-burn limited to very small spot. Presented here is the 702 proven to have been sold three weeks after the first transmission date in late 1936 -- an extraordinary discovery, complete with all supporting documentation." Photo by: Bonham's La Marquise It first hit the road in 1884, and the La Marquise is still running, making it the world's oldest working car.

The legend goes that the young Comte de Dion was mesmerised by a toy steam engine spotted in a Paris toy store, and commissioned its creators, Georges Bouton and Charles-Armand Trepardoux, to build him a person-sized one. The car itself uses a purpose-designed vertical boiler, using coal to produce the steam required to run the car's engine. It participated in and won the world's first automobile race in 1887 (it was the only car to make an appearance), and can travel 20 miles (32 km) at a speed of up to 38mph (61kph) on a full tank of water. Exploring the beauty of London England 2014 - YouTube Exploring the beauty of London England 2014 Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Jul 8, 2014 Please rate, comment and for more travel videos please subscribe!

The Aloha Robert Travel Show Other Sites: Donate to my channel PLEASE COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, FAVORITE AND SHARE MY VIDEOS WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. Camcorder: Sony HDR-XR160 Camcorder - HD: 1920 x 1080i - Software: Windows Maker Live - Location:- London, England - Credit: Aloha Robert - Tripod none - Music N/A - Tour Company Goldentours Salisbury Cathedral The inspiration behind Ken Follett's best-seller "The Pillars of the Earth", the beautiful Salisbury Cathedral is an international symbol of Christianity and a world class heritage attraction. The spire is the tallest in England, 123 meters (404 feet). Once inside you'll be impressed by the Cathedral's graceful, elegant proportions. We visit The Chapter House home to one of only 4 surviving copies of The Magna Carta and see the oldest working clock in Europe, dating back to 1386. Mysterious Stonehenge 5,000 years ago the huge 40 tonne stones were dragged from over 280 miles away in Wales. Who built it and why remains a mystery today.

Some say that it was built as a religious temple, or an astronomical clock. Stonehenge continues to enthrall the imagination and captivate the heart of every visitor. Bath This beautiful Georgian city justly deserves its status as a World Heritage Site, with its delightful terraces, elegant crescents and stunning architecture, on our panoramic tour of the city we will show you the crescents, Pulteney Bridge modelled on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence and Bath Abbey. Then into the Roman Baths built over 2,000 years and still in perfect working order. Category Salisbury, Stonehenge, Bath - Day Tours from London | Evan Evans Tours Day Tours from London See All Pick Up Points Hotel Name You must enter your name Friends Email Address: You must enter a valid email address Your Message: You must enter a valid message Send Thank you, your email has been sent Send another Tour operates on the following days: Summer 2017 (1 May - 30 Sep) Mon Tour of Salisbury Cathedral and see the Magna Carta Exclusive opportunity to see the oldest working mechanical clock in the world in action!

Entrance to mysterious Stonehenge A panoramic tour of Georgian Bath Visit the Roman Baths and Pump Room First-class luxury Motor-coach and the services of a professional Tour Guide Personal Audio Headset Full Description Salisbury Cathedral The inspiration behind Ken Follett's best-seller "The Pillars of the Earth", the beautiful Salisbury Cathedral is an international symbol of Christianity and a world class heritage attraction. The spire is the tallest in England, 123 meters (404 feet). Once inside you'll be impressed by the Cathedral's graceful, elegant proportions. We visit The Chapter House home to one of only 4 surviving copies of The Magna Carta and see the oldest working clock in Europe, dating back to 1386. The World's Oldest Working Clock In 2016 Evan Evans and Salisbury Cathedral are trialing a new tour that includes the chance to see the world's oldest clock in operation, and to hear it chime. The Cathedral's turret clock, which has no face, dates from before 1386 and stood in the bell tower on the North lawn until the tower was demolished.

It continued to operate in the Cathedral tower until the late 19th century, was restored to working order in 1956 now stands in the North Nave aisle. From May until September specially trained clock guides will give Evan Evans visitors an exclusive 10 minute demonstration of the striking mechanism and toll the bell – as well as sharing its remarkable history. Stonehenge 5,000 years ago the huge 40 tonne stones were dragged from over 280 miles away in Wales. Who built it and why remains a mystery today. Some say that it was built as a religious temple, or an astronomical clock. Stonehenge continues to enthrall the imagination and captivate the heart of every visitor. Bath This beautiful Georgian city justly deserves its status as a World Heritage Site, with its delightful terraces, elegant crescents and stunning architecture, on our panoramic tour of the city we will show you the crescents, Pulteney Bridge modelled on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence and Bath Abbey. Then into the Roman Baths built over 2,000 years and still in perfect working order.

What's Included Entrance to the Roman Baths Personal Audio Headset Pick up from hotel in the morning (see pick up points) until 31 March 2017 Lunch (time will be included in the itinerary for a refreshment break) Drop off at hotel It's About Time: World's Oldest Clock Stories about clocks, time, folklore, the whys and hows of time keeping and restoration. Dorrin K Mace, Horologost The Clock Man in a pensive moment Wednesday, September 7, 2011 World's Oldest Clock When they weren't drinking mead, toiling in the fields or dying from the bubonic plague, the people of 14th century England were going to church. A lot. That's why the oldest working clock in Europe, and quite possibly the world, can be found in an English cathedral, and was built as a means to (loudly) remind the locals that one of the day's seven or eight church services were about to start. More than 600 years later, that very same clock is faithfully "ticking" away, its large, iron cogs slowly rotating as a small shaft clinks into a metal cog every four seconds.

The clock, which is located in Salisbury Cathedral in southern England, was commissioned by Bishop Erghum and dates from about 1386. There was apparently a mechanical clock already working in Milan, Italy, by 1335, but the Salisbury clock is the oldest of its kind known to still be working. With its massive iron wheels and long ropes reaching halfway up the cathedral walls, it looks more like an industrial-age engine than the clocks we know today. But it did the trick, chiming a bell on the hour, for 24 hours a day. The word "clock" comes from the same root as glocke, the German word for bell, since the earliest clocks were meant to be listened to, not "watched." The clocks of medieval times were probably grossly inaccurate, but that didn't really matter. "In those days people didn't need to know if it was four minutes to 11," said Dudley Heather, head of guides at Salisbury Cathedral. "They just needed to know when it was time to go to church, or perhaps to eat." Mechanical clocks like the one in Salisbury Cathedral came to fundamentally change the way time was measured.

Before it, only astronomers divided a day into 24 hours, while everyone else gave the periods of day and night 12 "temporal hours," the length of which varied throughout the year. The clocks of ancient times relied on some sort of repetitive process: the rising and setting of the sun for sundials, and water dripping from a hole at the bottom of a stone vessel with water clocks, which were used as far back as 1500 B.C. But the Salisbury clock was an example of how clock makers had shifted from the continuous flow of things like water and sand, to measuring small increments of time. It works via a system of weights and pulleys. Two long ropes are wound up a couple of spools, or barrels, and each is then threaded through a pulley about 20 feet above the clock. At the bottom end of each rope is a weight, originally made from lead, now stone. Each rope is fully wound back around the barrels every morning, pulling the weights to the top. As the day wears on, they slowly sink back down to the floor.

Key to everything is the "verge and foliot," a clever mechanism right inside the clock that maintains the weights' slow descent and the keeping of time. It is essentially two small weights on either side of a small, horizontal beam that is suspended by a thread, called the foliot. The weighted beam is pushed back and forth while a vertical rod in the middle of the beam, the verge, then catches against the "teeth" of a rotating wheel every four seconds, with a sonorous "clink." While one of the barrels drives the verge and foliot, the other, rarely used today, controls the hourly striking of the bell. The invention of the verge and foliot was critical in the development of time keeping. It was the first mechanism that used repetition to keep the time, and paved the way for pendulum clocks. Previously, people had relied on the flow of water, as with water clocks, and it's probable that the three makers of the Salisbury clock used either a water clock or sundial to calibrate their device. Centuries after its creation, the Salisbury clock was replaced by a more modern device that chimed quarterly, and it was tucked away into the cathedral's bell tower.

When in 1930 a curious horologist noticed its dusty old iron framework, he immediately suspected its historical importance. Today the clock has been refurbished to its former glory, with only a few small parts replaced in the 1950s by Derbyshire clock makers. To save it from any extra wear and tear, it no longer chimes, save for the odd demonstration to clock enthusiasts a few times a year. While Salisbury Cathedral doesn't know how much Bishop Erghum paid for his clock, it was probably quite a lot. Clocks in these days were made from iron or brass, which were expensive metals, and these sorts of clocks took months, perhaps even years, to build. The whole community was expected to chip in for the town clock since it would help everyone organize their daily routines. The Bishop, no doubt eager to get the newest technology for the Cathedral, probably had to pass a basket or two around to get enough donations from his parishioners. If they had grumbled about it at the time, the locals would almost certainly have been impressed when the clock was finally in full, working order, faithfully chiming out the hours.

And they would have been simply amazed if they could have known that their Cathedral clock would still be up and running centuries later. Posted by The GREAT CATHEDRALS of BRITAIN The GREAT CATHEDRALS of BRITAIN To read the JOY! M agazine version, with pictures, click here . Excellence in Engineering Even secular architects and engineers have to admit that the greatest examples of excellence in architecture are the cathedrals. Extraordinary Sacrifice and Dedication When you consider the limited technological resources available to architects, builders and craftsmen, who built the medieval cathedrals - with wooden scaffolding, hand tools and boats that transported the stones from quarries to the building sites, each of these cathedrals represent staggering sacrifices and amazing achievements. Awesome Architecture Many of the great cathedrals of Britain were built a thousand years ago! These cathedrals are far more than monuments to a vibrant and living Faith. They have been meeting places for generations of Christian communities, the focal point of Christian work and witness throughout the Middle Ages to the present day.

Wondrous Attractions To many people, today, cathedrals are seen as tourist attractions, resting places for many of the most prominent personalities over many centuries, and as venues for royal weddings, state funerals and inspiring Christmas choirs and Easter presentations. The cathedrals of Britain are precious treasure houses reflecting over a thousand years of extraordinary artistry, excellent craftsmanship and dynamic faith. Canterbury Canterbury Cathedral is the seat of the country's senior archbishop, as it began with St. Augustine's mission to Anglo Saxon England in the 6th century. Canterbury Cathedral is also the resting place of the most famous of all archbishops of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, who was martyred in the cathedral, 1170. St. Paul's The original St. Paul's was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Sir Christopher Wren oversaw the baroque masterpiece which is the current St. Paul's Cathedral. It took 35 years to build, starting in 1675, in white Portland stone. The dome is 365 feet high and, until 1962, was the tallest building in London.

For over 1,400 years, St. Paul's has been a place of Christian worship. It is the seat of the bishop of London and the mother church of the diocese of London. It sits on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the city of London. The original church on the site was built in AD 604. St. Paul's is the second largest church in Britain. Its dome has been proclaimed the finest in the world. St. Paul's is a busy church with at least three services every day. This was the site of the famous wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981 and of the funeral of Baroness Margaret Thatcher in 2013. Salisbury Cathedral Salisbury Cathedral, which began to be built in 1220, has the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom (404 feet). The cathedral also has the largest cloister and the largest cathedral close (80 acres) in Britain. The cathedral also contains the world's oldest working clock, (dating from 1386) and has the best surviving, of the four original copies, of Magna Carta (the great charter of 1215).

Exeter Cathedral Exeter Cathedral was completed by 1400 and has the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England. The Exeter Cathedral astronomical clock is one of the most famous and oldest astronomical clocks in the world, dating from 1484. The silver ball and inner dials show both the phase of the moon and the position of the sun in the sky on a 24 hour analogue dial. The door below the clock has a round hole near its base to allow the church cats to deter rats that are attracted to the fat used to lubricate the clock mechanism. Lincoln Cathedral Building on Lincoln Cathedral commenced in 1088 and, for 238 years, was the tallest building in the world. For hundreds of years the cathedral held one of the four copies of the original Magna Carta, which now is displayed in Lincoln Castle. Lincoln Cathedral is one of the few English cathedrals built from the rock it is standing on. The cathedral stonemasons use more than 100 tonnes of stone per year from their own quarry for maintenance and repairs. Gloucester Cathedral Originally built from AD 678, the Cathedral of St.

Peter and the Holy Trinity contains Saxon, Norman and Gothic architecture. Winchester Cathedral Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe with the longest nave and the greatest overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. The cathedral was founded in AD 642 and greatly expanded in the 11th century. Richard the Lionheart was crowned King of England in this cathedral in 1194. As a bishop of Winchester had condemned Joan of Arc to death in 1431, a statue of Joan of Arc was erected in Winchester Cathedral in 1923, when she was recognised as a martyr and a saint. York Minster The Cathedral of St. Peter in York is one of the largest in Northern Europe. The large stained glass windows are the largest medieval stained glass in the world. The West window was constructed in 1339 and the great East window in 1408. Ely Cathedral Ely Cathedral was originally an Abby built in AD 672. The present magnificent cathedral dates back to 1083. The central octagonal tower is a unique landmark.

The cathedral is a major tourist attraction receiving 250,000 visitors a year, yet maintains a pattern of morning and evening services every day. Durham Cathedral The Cathedral Church of Christ of Durham dates back to AD 995. It is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture. County Durham is known as the Land of the Prince Bishops because of the enormous military and political power which the Bishop of Durham traditionally maintained for centuries. The tombs of St. Cuthbert of Lindesfarne and the Venerable Bede (the Historian of Saxon England), are located within Durham Cathedral. Wells Cathedral Construction of Wells Cathedral began in AD 1170. Wells has been described as the most poetic of English cathedrals. The church is surrounded with sculptures and magnificent stained glass windows. A Challenge and Rebuke The cathedrals are a challenge and a rebuke to an age of prefabs and rentals. The generations who sacrificed and laboured to build these magnificent houses of worship to the glory of God built for future generations. It frequently took three generations to complete a cathedral. The generations who had laid the foundations were not normally alive to see the completion of the spires.

Multiple generations have been blessed by their diligence and vision. Consecrated Work Requires Consecrated Workers When Sir Christopher Wren began to re-build St. Paul's Cathedral, he had signs erected on the construction site, declaring that as this was to be a House of Worship, all those involved in the construction were required to maintain daily devotions, attend worship services and anyone found taking the Lord's Name in vain would be immediately dismissed. Inspiration Many of those building these Cathedrals found inspiration from the prophet Haggai who challenged the people of his time. "'Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your panelled houses, and this Temple to lie in ruins?' Now therefore, thus says the Lord of Hosts: 'Consider your ways!

You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages, earns wages to put into a bag with holes.' Thus says the Lord of Hosts: 'Consider your ways!'" Haggai 1:2-7 The attention to detail, even on the rooftops, which could not be seen before the age of flight, is incredible. Many of the craftsmen determined to do their very best, even on those parts which would not be seen by any but God and the Angels, because whatever you do, do it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for men. "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17 Salisbury, Lacock & Bath Tour | VisitBritain From £92.00 Tour in English Head for the west of England on this spectacular Evan Evans Tour. First stop is Salisbury. Visit the inspiring cathedral or explore the city on foot.

On to the ancient and mysterious Stonehenge and finally beautiful Bath, where you can take a free walking tour of the city or visit the Roman Baths. Free Wi-Fi on all Evan Evans coaches! You’ll be given a free personal headset to use throughout the tour so that you don’t miss any commentary from your knowledgeable guide Operational Information Salisbury Cathedral A warm welcome from your guide and driver then journey west in style to the beautiful city of Salisbury and its 750 year-old cathedral with 404 feet spire, the tallest in England. This magnificent and historic building is an international symbol of Christianity and a world-class heritage attraction. Here you will get a choice to visit the Cathedral, to see the Magna Carta, the Chapter House, and exclusively to Evan Evans guests see the oldest working clock in Europe - dating back to 1386. Stonehenge You’ll see the great and ancient stone circle of Stonehenge, one of the ancient wonders of the world and forever cloaked in intense debate over its original purpose. Stonhenge is the focal point in a landscape filled with prehistoric ceremonial structures and is now a World Heritage site.

At Stonhenge you will get the choice between an audio-guided tour of Stonehenge, where you’ll learn about the spiritual importance of the stones and early legends of King Arthur and Merlin. Bath This beautiful Georgian city has some of the richest ancient history in Britain and some of the most stunning architecture in Europe. Visit elegant honey-coloured crescents, beautiful Georgian Squares and the delightful scenery along the banks of the river Avon. You’ll enjoy views of the famous Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey, known locally as ‘The Lantern of the West’. You will have the choice of visiting the Roman Baths to see the magnificent temple and bathing complex which still flows with thermal waters from the original source. Alternatively, you can enjoy a free walking tour of the city following in the footsteps of Jane Austen. Visit Bath Abbey and the elegant shopping area around Milsom Street. After you book your tour, we will email you an e-voucher You must call or email Evan Evans Tours to confirm which date you would like to go on the tour at least 48 hours in advance. Contact details will be on your e-voucher Operates Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from May 2016 - September 2016.

Departure and Pick up information: 08:45 Victoria Coach station Gates 1 - 5 Return and Drop off information: 20:00 Victoria train Station Prices Tech that stands the test of time (pictures) - Page 5 - CNET Tech that stands the test of time (pictures) Tech that stands the test of time (pictures) Oxford Electric Bell The author of the Oxford Electric Bell, or Clarendon Dry Pile, is unknown. Even its exact date is unknown. It was purchased by Oxford professor of physics from 1839-1965 Robert Walker, who labelled it "set up in 1840," but there is evidence to suggest that the experiment was set up 15 years earlier. Whenever it was set up, whether 176 years ago or 191 years ago, it has been "ringing" continuously ever since. The pendulum clapper between two bells is powered by two "dry pile" batteries, sealed by a coating of molten sulfur. What's inside those sulfur columns is unknown, since no one wants to disrupt the experiment to find out.

Popular opinion is that they contain Zamboni piles , invented by Giuseppe Zamboni in 1812 and consisting of discs of silver foil, zinc foil and paper. This creates a small electrostatic charge in the bell, which repels the clapper, so that it vibrates between the two bells as they continuously repel it back and forth. The bells itself are inaudible now, but the experiment , on display on the ground floor of Oxford University's Clarendon Laboratory, can still be seen ringing away to this day. You can watch a video of it in action here . Photo by: Screenshot by Michelle Starr/CNET Centennial Bulb An incandescent light bulb burns in a fire station in Livermore, California. As the world increasingly turns to LED lighting, this bulb has been burning almost continuously since being switched on in 1901. In 2001, it was named the Centennial Bulb because it had been burning for a century.

The bulb itself, invented by Adolphe Alexandre Chaillet and made by the Shelby Electric Company, consists of a handblown glass bulb and carbon filament, and has only been turned off a handful of times in the 115 years since its installation. It currently burns at just four watts. You can watch a documentary on the Centennial Bulb here . Photo by: Guinness World Records Pitch Drop Experiment Set up in 1927 by Thomas Parnel at the University of Queensland, the Pitch Drop Experiment is one of the world's longest-running experiments. The aim is to measure the flow of pitch , which looks like a solid but is actually an extremely viscous liquid. The pitch used in the experiment has a viscosity 230 billion times that of water, only nine drops have formed and fallen since the experiment's inception. Each drop takes a varying amount of time to form and fall into the beaker below, but the shortest amount of time was 7.2 years. Technically, the ninth drop didn't actually fall, either. The experiment's custodian changed the beaker in 2014, and the ninth drop, which was already in contact with the other fallen drops, snapped off.

The eighth drop fell in 2000, long before cameras had been set up to record a pitch drop falling. The first time a drop of pitch was filmed falling was in 2013 , with cameras observing a different experiment set up at Trinity College Dublin. However, no one has ever witnessed a pitch drop falling, live with their own eyes. The next drop is due to fall in around 14 years or so at current viscosity rates. If you want to tune into the live feed watch it yourself, you can do so here . Photo by: University of Queensland Beverly clock The Beverly Clock , currently housed at the Otago University's Department of Physics in New Zealand, hasn't been wound since its construction in 1864. Its mechanism was designed by Arthur Beverly , and it uses atmospheric changes to power the clock without any human input. As temperature changes, it operates a diaphragm that expands and contracts and powers the clock. In the interest of fairness, the Beverly Clock has stopped before, when there weren't sufficient atmospheric changes to power the clock, or in the event of mechanical failure, but it has always started again. Even more amazingly, this is not the first such mechanism.

The first known clock to have been powered by atmospheric changes was built by Dutch inventor Cornelis Drebbel , who is also credited with building the first navigable submarine. He patented his atmospheric clock in 1598, and went on to build several in the 17th century. Photo by: Mysterious Snapper Beauvais Cathedral Clock There are several contenders for the crown of oldest working clock, including the movement of the Salisbury Cathedral Clock dating back to 1386 in the UK and the clock of St Andrew's in Chioggia, Italy from the same year, but the Beauvais Cathedral Clock in France is claimed to date back to 1305 . It is not exactly the same clock. Since its installation, it has undergone repairs and restoration, but its carillon still chimes perfectly over 700 years later. Photo by: Binche Harwell Dekatron Computer The Harwell Dekatron Computer , first switched on in 1951, has had a storied history that includes decommissioning and storage, but, having been extensively restored, it is now recognised as the world's oldest working digital computer.

Its original purpose was performing calculations at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment in Harwell, Oxfordshire in the UK, with the ability to store up to 90 numbers in its dekatron -based memory. After it was no longer needed at the research facility, the 2.5-ton machine was moved to the Wolverhampton and Staffordshire Technical College, where it was used to teach computing under its new name, Wolverhampton Instrument for Teaching Computing from Harwell, or WITCH. It was decommissioned in 1973, and remained in storage until 2009, when its recovery and restoration commenced under the supervision of the The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park. Photo by: Pratyeka Marconi Type 702 The television was invented in the 1920s, but it wasn't sold as a home entertainment device until the 1930s. One of the very first models was the Marconi 702, which only showed picture, no sound. The CRT was set into the top of the cabinet, and a mirror lid displayed the image to the viewer.

This particular Marconi type 702 was sold on November 26, 1936, just three weeks after the BBC began transmitting the world's first high-definition television service , and is thought to be the world's oldest working TV set. It was sold at auction by Bonham's in 2011 for £16,800. The auction page reads, "This screen would have shown the very first scheduled television programme in the world. The CRT picture quality is superb, with the ion-burn limited to very small spot. Presented here is the 702 proven to have been sold three weeks after the first transmission date in late 1936 -- an extraordinary discovery, complete with all supporting documentation." Photo by: Bonham's La Marquise It first hit the road in 1884, and the La Marquise is still running, making it the world's oldest working car. The legend goes that the young Comte de Dion was mesmerised by a toy steam engine spotted in a Paris toy store, and commissioned its creators, Georges Bouton and Charles-Armand Trepardoux, to build him a person-sized one.

The car itself uses a purpose-designed vertical boiler, using coal to produce the steam required to run the car's engine. It participated in and won the world's first automobile race in 1887 (it was the only car to make an appearance), and can travel 20 miles (32 km) at a speed of up to 38mph (61kph) on a full tank of water. FAQ's for Visitors | Salisbury Cathedral Salisbury Cathedral is open every day of the year. See our opening hours . We ask all visitors to make a donation . Can a guide show me around the Cathedral? Our trained volunteer guides are here to show visitors around and any individual visitors may join in the regular tours which run between 9.30am – 4.00pm (Monday-Saturday) and 12.00noon-3.00pm (Sundays). We also offer specialist tours on specific subjects, eg history, heritage, architecture, music, flowers. Some foreign languages are also offered. Groups are advised to book guided tours in advance. The Cathedral has a responsibility for providing access for people with disabilities. Read our accessibility statement . What else can I do in Salisbury?

Salisbury is the quintessential medieval English city. The Cathedral is less than a 10 minute walk from the Guildhall and Market Square. The city offers excellent shops, cafes and pubs. There’s a regular charter market (Tuesdays/Saturdays), Farmers’ market (Wednesdays) and a Christmas market. St Thomas Church is a fascinating late 14th and 15th century church of with a superb Doom painting. There are 4 further attractions within the Cathedral Close - Mompesson House, Salisbury Museum, The Rifles (Berkshire & Wiltshire) Military Museum and Arundells. To the north of the city is the English Heritage site Old Sarum , the location of the original Salisbury Cathedral and castle. Whether you are looking for cosy bed and breakfast accomodation or a luxurious hotel suite, Visit Wiltshire can help you find the perfect place to stay. Salisbury is easily accessible in central southern England by car, coach, bus, bike or rail . Can I get something to eat at the Cathedral?

Our glass roofed Refectory Restaurant , open every day except for Christmas Day, with views of the spire soaring high offers a wide variety of freshly cooked meals, snacks, cakes and pastries and hot and cold drinks throughout the day from 9.30am – 5.30pm (until 5.00pm on Sundays). There’s a well-stocked shop at the Cathedral, adjacent to the Refectory, selling souvenirs, books and music. Information and bookings can be made through the Salisbury Information Centre , Fish Row, Salisbury, SP1 1EJ. Tel: +44 (0) 1722 342860. Email: visitorinfo@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk or Visit Wiltshire . Can I visit your Library? Salisbury Cathedral Library is a historic library with many very ancient books. Usually tours for members of the public take place once a month followed by a cream tea in the Cathedral refectory - see the events section of the website for details of dates and times.

Enquries for permission to consult specific books and documents in the library and archive collections should be directed to the Cathedral Archivist, email e.naish@salcath.co.uk - a reference may be required. Do you have the oldest clock in the world? We believe we have the oldest working medieval clock in the world. It was made by 1386 and was originally installed in the detached Bell Tower. It is made from hand-wrought iron. As is usual for this period there is no face, the clock being designed only to mark time and strike hours. It has no face, being designed to strike the hours. It was originally located in a separate Bell Tower (demolished 1792) on the north side of the Cathedral. Tell me about the art installations at Salisbury Cathedral Salisbury Cathedral seeks to offer a sense of the spiritual and the opportunity for spiritual transformation and prayerfulness. Living as we do in a culture that is more dependent upon the impact of the visual, it is difficult for us to witness something we have not seen – the transcendent.

Art in collaboration with the wonderful architecture of the building and liturgy can open people to the opportunity of encountering the spiritual, whether that is an increased sense of something beyond them or God. Our arts policy seeks to assist the Cathedral in increasing our spiritual impact and enhancing the experience of the Cathedral for visitors and worshipers whilst challenging injustice and fostering reconciliation. The work is overseen by an Arts Advisory Committee under the watchful eye of our voluntary Arts Advisor and Curator Jacquiline Cresswell. We hope to create a programme of art exhibitions working three years ahead aiming to host a minimum of one significant visual art exhibition or installation each year. Art in the Cathedral

Question: In which English building is the world's oldest working clock, dating back to 1386?
Answer: Salisbury Cathedral